Question

The nurse is performing a routine physical assessment on a client. Which technique demonstrates proper performance of a lung assessment? Auscultates 3 posterior spots on the right lung and then repeats the process on the left lung Uses the bell of the stethoscope to assess breath sounds Uses the "ladder technique" to auscultate all lung fields Listens to the client's breath sounds on inspiration only

Answer 1

Proper lung assessment uses the ladder technique with the diaphragm of the stethoscope to listen to both inspiration and expiration across various points on the thorax.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct technique for performing a lung assessment involves the 'ladder technique' to auscultate all lung fields. This ensures comprehensive evaluation of a patient's lung sounds. To perform lung auscultation properly, the clinician uses the diaphragm of the stethoscope rather than the bell and listens to both inspiration and expiration in a systematic manner across multiple locations on both the back and front of the thorax. The process should involve a comparison of symmetrical areas on both sides of the lungs, listening to several points to fully assess the respiratory system. The bell of the stethoscope is primarily used for listening to low-pitched sounds such as some heart murmurs, whereas the diaphragm is better for the higher-pitched lung sounds.

Answer 2

The technique that demonstrates proper performance of a lung assessment is using the "ladder technique" to auscultate all lung fields.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique that demonstrates proper performance of a lung assessment is using the "ladder technique" to auscultate all lung fields.

The ladder technique involves starting at the top of the lungs and moving down, listening to breath sounds at multiple spots as you go. This method ensures that all areas of the lungs are assessed and any abnormalities are detected.

For example, the nurse would start at the top of the right lung, then move down in a zigzag pattern, listening at different spots until reaching the bottom of the right lung. Then, the process is repeated on the left lung.